Joint press statement by the YCL AND MDC-Youth League

Tuesday, 15 March 2005

The Young Communist League and the Movement for Democratic Change (Youth) had a bilateral today, 15 March 2005 in Johannesburg, COSATU House.

This is part of a series of meetings that the YCL is having with youth organisations from Zimbabwe, to try and rally the united towards a peaceful and non-violent country.

Both organisations discussed the following:

• The economic situation in Zimbabwe and its impact on youth.
• The forthcoming elections in Zimbabwe and the role of youth.
• The militarization of youth in Zimbabwe through the Youth Militia.
• The demonstration by the YCL on the 30 March 2005 and the demands thereof.
• The possibility of a discussion between ZANU-PF (Youth) and MDC (Youth) in the near future.
• What will happen after the elections, and whether contesting for the forthcoming election does not necessarily lead to legitimising the elections.

Both organisations agreed that the situation in the country is unacceptable and needs to change. These situation impacts young peoples? education, health, poverty, unemployment (80%) and the creeping HIV/AIDS, which is in the rise. Both organisations agreed to constructively engage with the situation and continue to mobilise youth.

Both parties condemned the youth militias, who continue to torture people and get rewarded only through food.

The MDC (Youth) respects the position of the YCL not to support any political party, and encourages the YCL to constructively engage with all youth organisations in that country irrespective of their political standing.

The MDC will support the demonstration by the YCL on the 30 March 2005, whose demands are as follows:

• The postponement of Elections in Zimbabwe and the creation of conditions for free and fair elections were all would have the rights of Freedom of Association.
• An end to political violence orchestrated by the government funded youth?militia.
• The institution of an Independent Electoral Commission to run Elections.
• The immediate auditing of the Voters Roll and the removal of ?Ghost Voters?.
• Ensuring that the SADC protocols are followed.

Both organisations agreed to put more pressure on the SADC leaders to ensure that Zimbabwean Elections takes place within the SADC protocol.

The YCL respects the decision of the MDC to contest the forthcoming elections, and understands the reasons behind this decision.

The MDC (Youth) will continue to advance its course in a peaceful and non-violent manner, and appreciates any efforts to have dialogue between themselves and ZANU-PF Youth Brigade.

Both organisations committed themselves not to allow youth to be used against development, anti-democracy and violence and will continue to foster these principles in SADC through the South African Youth Forum and the NEPAD youth desk.

Issued by the YCL and MDC Youth League

Contact:
Buti Manamela @ 082 567 3557
YCL National Secretary
or
Doubt Ndlhovu @ 072 673 7455
MDC Youth League Chairperson